Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** in the face of 21ST-century…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** in the face of 21ST-century agricultural challenges, our mission is clear: we must produce more food, feed, and fiber for a growing population with evolving dietary preferences, while dealing with limited rural labor and agricultural land, and the need for BIO-energy sources. Moreover, climate change introduces more frequent biotic and abiotic stresses. While global crop productivity has matched these challenges, we must intensify our efforts to sustain this progress. This is especially vital as we navigate the rest of the century.to address these pressing needs, our team of experts, spanning crop and livestock breeding, genetics, biochemistry, and data science, is forging ahead. We'RE developing innovative tools to decode the genetic basis of traits in crops like maize, soybean, sorghum, and in pigs. Our advanced statistical models, enhancing methods like gwas, twas, and eqtl mapping, empower biologists to explore data in groundbreaking ways, uncovering new insights. We are bridging the GAP between genetics and traits, from crop yields to vitamin b levels in maize. Our research probes the interplay of genetics, weather, and environment using diverse data. This newfound knowledge will steer enhancements in crucial U.S. Crops and livestock. Our ambitious endeavor extends beyond discovery. IT entails crafting novel statistical tools to comprehend essential genes in both livestock and crops, applicable across species. Aligned with the USDA's strategic goals, our work contributes to an equitable, resilient, and prosperous U.S. Agricultural system, ensuring accessible, wholesome food for all. Through education and outreach, we'LL empower crop and livestock breeders and cultivate the human capital needed to fulfill these aspirations.